Oklahoma State University Athletics
Now A Starter, Freeman Excelling For Cowboys
February 15, 2008 | Cowboy Wrestling
by Travis Tindell, OSU Media Relations
In an Oklahoma State wrestling room loaded with All-Americans and wrestlers who have accomplished nearly everything there is to accomplish at the prep level, hardly anyone could have predicted the emergence of senior Ryan Freeman as a starter for the Cowboys in the 149-pound weight class this year. Freeman seemed to come out of nowhere to stake claim to the starting spot in a highly-contested weight division at OSU.
Freeman was not even certain he would be wrestling this year. After graduating last year with a degree in business administration, Freeman was looking for a place to do his graduate work and wrestling was not at the forefront of his plans. Coach John Smith told Freeman he wanted him back for one last year.
“I ended up getting into the MBA program and getting back on the team. I didn't want to sit around and just be a practice partner,” Freeman said. “But I was willing to do that if I had to, to help out the team. Coming in I was looking for a spot, wherever it was, to be in the lineup.”
Freeman not only earned a spot in the lineup, but he has taken a command of the 149-pound weight class by winning in four of OSU's last five duals. His 8-3 victory over Luke Mellmer of Minnesota helped lead the Cowboys to a key win over the reigning NCAA champion Gophers.
Freeman said he sees his chance as something that was simply expected of him.
“If an unfortunate event happens that one of our guys falls out of the lineup, we have to have guys step up,” Freeman said. “Everybody has to train like they can be there for the team if the time comes. I just had the opportunity and I am glad to be where I am.”
For a wrestler that never qualified for state in high school, Freeman has made his mark and left the legacy of the true underdog story. Looking at his high school stats, most would be curious as to how Freeman ended up at Oklahoma State. Smith tends to see things the average fan misses, and he went out on a limb to bring Freeman aboard, a decision that has yielded positive results for both Freeman and the Cowboys.
Saturday's match against Cal Poly is OSU senior day and the last chance for Freeman and his fellow seniors to wrestle a dual inside Gallagher-Iba Arena.
“It will be the last time I will get to wrestle a dual in front of the fans here at Gallagher-Iba,” Freeman said. “It's a lot of motivation to go out there and show them what I'm capable of and go have a good showing. I want to be tough and wrestle the match I want.”
Since the beginning, Freeman has been one of the hardest workers on the team and as the season wraps up his focus and preparation never falter with his main goal being to reach the NCAA Championships held in his home state of Missouri.
“It's the last month of wrestling for me ever, so I am really focused and I realize I have a limited time, so I am putting everything I can into it,” Freeman said. “I want to end my season the way that I want to. I want to go out the right way and I don't want to sell myself short or sell my team short. It's important to end it the way I want to.”
